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OEB Publishes Findings of Stakeholder Perception Index Survey

TORONTO, Jan. 17 /CNW/ - Today the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) released
the results of its fourth annual stakeholder survey.
Environics Research Group, the research firm that conducted the survey,
reports that the OEB achieved an overall satisfaction rating of 6.7 out of a
maximum of 10 points in the 2007 Stakeholder Perception Index survey. Overall,
this year's ratings have increased in several areas since 2006, indicating
that the OEB has been able to build on the significant progress made in the
last four years.
"I am very encouraged by these results. This survey is an important
channel for our stakeholders to tell us their priorities and their views on
our performance," says Aleck Dadson, who was appointed OEB's Chief Operating
Officer last December. "Stakeholders tell us they like the improvements the
Board has made to manage the increased volume of work and range of
responsibilities. This feedback helps us to be responsive to the needs of our
stakeholders and informs how we approach our work."
Stakeholders said a major strength of the Board continues to be the
professional manner in which it conducts hearings and proceedings. Fairness in
Board decisions and accountability in clearly defined regulatory processes
were also noted as key strengths. Staff were given high marks for objectivity
and fairness, and on being responsive and knowledgeable. The Board also
received high approval ratings from stakeholders for its communication efforts
with them. While scores for timeliness and efficiency continue to increase,
stakeholders indicate there is still room for improvement in these areas. They
would also like to see continued efforts in the area of consumer information.
The survey is the fourth in a series of annual surveys conducted since
2004. A cross-section of participants in Ontario's energy sector including
electricity and natural gas distributors, energy sector organizations,
consumer and advocacy groups, and financial organizations were polled by
telephone in the fall of 2007.
The Ontario Energy Board regulates the province's electricity and natural
gas sectors in the public interest. It envisions a viable and efficient energy
sector with informed consumers served by responsive regulatory processes that
are fair, effective and transparent.
For a copy of the survey report, or more information about the Ontario
Energy Board, please visit the website at www.oeb.gov.on.ca or contact the
Customer Relations Centre by calling (416) 314-2455 or toll-free at
1-877-632-2727.